#you'd think we'd have figured that shit out by now

[dweam-en-eff]

lets be real karl would never be the one to pull the trigger on anything banter-related, he'd wind up podcasting by himself to a stadium of like 10 people if it came down to it. 100% the venue cancelled for flop ticket sales and i'm willing to bet the boys (or at least snf) are finding out with the rest of us, if not only a few hours before

[surielstea]

The Best I Ever Had

Based on this request.

Pairing: Eris x Fem!Reader (Azriel’s ex)

Summary: Reader seeks revenge on her ex-boyfriend, and that revenge just so happens to take the form of a very willing Vanserra.

Warnings: Smut | Minors DNI | p in v | fingering | cervix brushing | no aftercare (not Eris) | angst (not Eris) | manipulation (not Eris)

7.6k words

I've been dating the shadow singer for a little over a year now— but calling it dating seemed to be a stretch. It started with a few dates but inevitably it turned into a cycle of him telling me to come over, we'd hook up, then I'd leave in the morning. If he wasn't busy I'd stay for breakfast, but that was pretty much it.

Now I lay next to him, thoroughly fucked out and sweating. Azriel was a busy male but when he fucked, he fucked good. That fact made me feel selfish for wanting more than just being a casual hookup.

I sigh audibly, sitting up and slipping out of the bed, waddling into the bathroom to get myself cleaned up. That was another thing, once Azriel got what he wanted he was kind of done with me, so aftercare was absent and it made me feel like shit.

I huff as I wipe myself down with a warm rag, then splash water over my face and pat it dry with a soft towel.

I met the spymaster through Morrigan, I hadn't been particularly close to the inner circle but Mor was a good friend of mine, and of course, I could see the way he looked at her, admired her with a silent devotion. He has for years while I just watched in the background. Then the three Archeron sisters showed up and he began doing it to Feyre's sister Elain, or Nesta's friend Gwyn. But never me. Never looked at me that way. I was slowly realizing I was becoming a placeholder until something better fell into his lap.

I turn the faucet off and leave the bathing chamber, shuffling back to the bed, slightly defeated. I slide onto the mattress, my boyfriend already sounds asleep with his winged-back facing me. I yawn and decide I’ll voice my opinions tomorrow after a full night's rest, perhaps over breakfast, I could tell him how I feel.

With a plan in mind and enough exhaustion to make a pegasus pass out, I was able to find a light sleep.

The morning greeted me with an empty bed, Azriel's spot empty, and I doubted the male was downstairs making me breakfast. I grumble a curse as I flip the blankets off of me and get up. I simply glance at myself in the mirror and brush my hands through my hair before leaving his room in my nightgown, rubbing at my eyes as I descend the stairs and into the kitchen.

The clatter of a fork sounds and I turn to my left to see the silent shadow singer who had just finished eating. "You didn't want to wake me up?" I say, squinting at the male's silhouette framed by large windows of the morning light behind him. He shrugged in reply. "Figured you'd rather sleep," He murmured as he stood, collecting his dishes and walking towards me.

As he brushes past me towards the sink I remember the loose plan I had put together last night.

"I was thinking," I start. It was now or never. He turned his head to me slightly, signaling that he was listening while he placed his dishes in the basin. "We've been going out for about a year now, maybe we should do something special?" I offer and he turns to me fully, slight confusion creasing his brows. I didn't understand what was so puzzling about it.

"Like what? And when?" He asks, his tone making me feel like I was scheduling a business meeting. I roll my eyes and take a few steps closer. "I don't know, you're always busy," I sigh, making my annoyance clear. He bristles. Perhaps I shouldn't have said that.

"I just mean, would it kill you to take a break for a day?" I look up at him, my arms behind my back. I hated this. Hated the way he looked down at me as I begged him to just give me the slightest fraction of his attention. He blows out a long breath in contemplation. "I suppose I can take a day off in a couple of weeks," He utters like it's such a chore to leave work.

"A couple of weeks?" I balk with wide eyes and he shrugs again. "I'm not that flexible," He explains and my frown deepens. "Just the other day you took off to help Morrigan with writing letters to the continent," I argue. "That's, different," He said with a slight hesitance in his voice. "How so?" I cross my arms over my chest.

"Because that's Mor," He muttered and a pang of hurt bloomed in my chest. My lip quivered at the words but I maintained my composure. "Listen, I'm not trying to make you sad I'm just telling you the truth," He craned his neck, stretching it out like I was tiring him out with this conversation. "Which is?" My brows raise a fraction. He opens his mouth, then shuts it again, rethinking what he was about to say.

Instead of speaking at all, he leans in and presses a light kiss to my lips, his hands coming to the back of my neck as he slants his mouth over mine. There was no passion behind it, just a move to shut me up and I was a fool to fall for it.

He kisses down my jaw, making his way to my neck where his marks from last night were already fading. His other hand finds my thigh, pushing me up against the counter and hiking up my dress. "Az," I place a hand on his chest. "Az, I don't want to have sex," I murmur, pushing him away and he backs off, confusion in his eyes because that hack has worked every time before.

"I just, I wanted you to look at me the way you look at Elain, or Gwyn, or—" I start. "Don't be ridiculous," His hands come to my cheeks as he interrupts me. "I'm not with them now am I?" He tilts his head. "No, but, you would be as soon as they called," I reason and his gaze falters because he knows I'm right.

"Don't think like that," He shakes his head. Then presses his lips to mine again, his hand returning to my thigh. "Don't think," He whispers and that sets me off. I push him away harder, sending him stumbling a few feet back. He looks at me like I've gone insane. I'm sick of it, sick of feeling so compliant when he wanted me and when he didn't. I was easy to please, and he liked easy, but he loved a challenge more.

"If you're not going to even take the time to make your girlfriend feel like she means anything to you, then," My breath hitched and a stupid smirk came across his features when I didn't finish my sentence. "Then what?" He scoffs. "You're gonna break up with me? Then when you can't find a male who fucks you better than I can you'll come crawling right back, I know how you are," He crossed his arms over his chest and I hated it. Hated that he was right. Because he was such an arrogant asshole but he was handsome and knew how to pleasure a woman. Which was rare to find in the Night Court.

"No, I'm done this time," I stand my ground. "Don't be like this," He sighed at the dramatics of it, looking up to the ceiling like I was draining him. "You always do this," He shakes his head. "I'm serious," I bite out. "Yeah, sure you are," He scoffs, unbelieving of my words as he leaves the kitchen without another word.

I'm serious. I hated being treated like this. I have a long life ahead of me, I can find someone better, perhaps go to another Court where I won't be given such limited options.

I collect my things, forgetting about the rest of my clothes in Azriel's room as I shrug on my jacket, I looked ridiculous with the oversized leather jacket over my short nightgown but I was only going home.

I gave one last look at the house before slipping out and closing the door with a particularly hard slam, making sure he heard I proudly took my leave.

My pride didn't last long before tears began to stream down my face. It was foolish to be crying over my own decision but I couldn't help it. Leaving him meant leaving the entirety of the inner circle, and as close as Morrigan and I were, she'd choose Azriel without a second thought. I knew it, she knew it, and he definitely knew it. So now I was walking through the streets of Velaris teary-eyed, hands shaking as I attempted to wipe them away but inevitably I gave up and just let them run, let myself crumble into the dejection of it all.

I had a house in the hewn city, it wasn't a home necessarily but, it would make do for a few nights until I figured myself out. I muster all of my energy and source my power, before winnowing back to the Court of Nightmares. I sigh in relief to be home, a shock to myself since this is the last place I'd ever want to be. Yet here I was, in my shitty apartment with little to live for. I slump onto the couch and curl into a ball, then just allow myself to bawl and promise myself this is the last time I’ll ever cry over the shadow singer again.

It had been a week.

Azriel was right when he said I’d crawl back to him. This sort of thing happened often, we’d argue then I’d leave until eventually I got too lonely and find my way to his doorstep, he’d take me back and we would pretend to forget about what had happened until the cycle repeated, over, and over, and over again.

But I was done this time. I promised myself I was done and I’m sticking to it. A week was the longest I had gone without going back to him so I took myself to the flower shop down the street to treat myself to something as a reward. Flowers had always brought a smile to my face. Azriel never quite understood when I’d bring him to the gardens, he didn’t see the beauty of them, the way they all lived so harmoniously with each other. So he rarely went to the flower markets with me, it especially hurt when I found out Elain and him had visited the gardens more than—

I shook my head, voiding my thoughts of the spymaster and focusing on the beauty of the white dahlias in front of me. I picked up the bouquet and went to the clerk’s cart to pay. I had visited her whenever I was in the Hewn City, so it was nice to see the familiar face.

She smiles brightly when she sees me. “Just the dahlias for today?” She asks in a raspy tone and I nod. “Yes, but I’ll most likely be back tomorrow for those daffodils tomorrow,” I say, placing five marks down on the counter. “I’ll be looking forward to it,” She says, taking the bouquet from my hands and wrapping it in a burlap paper. “My tulips bloomed this morning, they should be in stock by the end of the week,” She hinted and I grinned at her memory of my favorite flower. “A pleasure as always, Moe,” I say as she hands me the wrapped bouquet.

“Have a good day!” She calls back and I wave at her from over my shoulder before walking down the cobblestones back towards my apartment.

It was a short walk, only around the corner, I had been a few yards away from my apartment yet somehow I still managed to clumsily ram right into a wall while staring down at the flowers— no, not a wall, a male who barely even faltered as I stumbled back. "Sorry, you alright?" Warm hands come to my shoulders, steadying me. I look up to see a familiar set of amber eyes, ones that could only belong to one Eris Vanserra. "Oh, it's you," He uttered but his voice didn’t carry any distaste, only simple curiosity in his gaze. "Are you okay?" The male asks and I was surprised at the concern of his voice.

I often ran into Eris, so much so that it had become sort of a thing between us. I had never loathed him like the others, I understood him better than the rest of the inner circle who had never tried to see more than just a monster. It was clear to me that he was nothing like his father, no matter how much he tried. So clear that it had been a shock to me when Rhys didn’t understand he was only wearing a mask, even when the High Lord had to do something similar while Under the Mountain.

"I'm fine," I shrug with a hurried motion, Eris was also good at reading me, leaving me terrified that he’d somehow see right through my feigned smile. "You sure?" One of his hands left my shoulders only to lift my chin, angling it up towards him. "Who's got a pretty girl like you crying?" He tilts his head, and I blanch. How was he so good at that? I pull away from his touch and avoid his piercing gaze.

"I'm fine," I repeat. "You're a terrible liar, sunshine," He intoned.

Sunshine. A nickname that was only used to remind me that I didn't belong in the Night Court, didn't belong with the Inner Circle at all. There was no place for the sunshine in a place that thrived in darkness.

"Where's that bastard of yours, I doubt he'd like you running around the Hewn City dressed like that," He gestures to my low-cut dress, my cardigan parted just enough to reveal any excessive, albeit impressive amount of cleavage. I press the flowers to my body and a smirk grows over his lips. "He wouldn't care," I grumble. "Really?" He tilts his head. I shrug. "We broke up last week," I don't know why I told him. Some undiscovered part of me has always trusted him, so much that my actions have often betrayed my own thoughts.

"Is that right?" A smile curves his features, nothing but amusement in his tone. "You could at least pretend to feel bad," I frown.

"Why? He lost something he didn't deserve, you gained the freedom to be with someone better. It's a win in both cases, for you at least," He justifies, and a small smile tugs at my lips. "There she is," He admires and maybe it was because I was looking for revenge, or maybe it was because Eris and I had always flirted, but I couldn't help but feel this magnetic pull to the male.

"Hey, do you want to come inside?" I offer, brushing past him and walking up the steps of my apartment, he blinks in shock, I was surprised with myself just as much but I didn't show it. "Just to talk, I'll open a bottle of wine?" I added and his cool demeanor returned.

"Why not," He hummed.

"You're telling me, he did all that— then didn't even provide aftercare?" Eris said in pure disbelief and I nodded with a sigh, thinking myself stupid for letting a male treat me so poorly.

I had spilled most details of my relationship with the Shadow singer to Eris, it may have been wrong to vent to one of the male's many enemies but I owed him nothing anymore, it wasn't like Eris could do much with the details of our relationship anyway.

We sat on my couch, too small for his large legs so I was positioned with my feet in his lap, not that I was complaining once he started tracing shapes on the tops of my knees mindlessly. Eris actually listened, it hadn't been something I hadn’t experienced in quite some time. This easy conversation that made me feel like he wanted to be a part of it. Perhaps it was the three glasses of wine or the glint in his eyes, but what he said next left my head reeling.

"I have a meeting with him today, maybe I should mention it," He hummed, his tone so casual I could hardly tell if he was being serious or not.

"It hurt," I mumble, unsure if I was referring to the sex itself or how he treated me. "It shouldn't," He replies with that damned look in his eyes, reassuring every part of my turmoil. "I know," I shrug.

He doesn't reply, his eyes linger on mine, something beneath that gaze that reminded me so much of how I used to look at Azriel, a certain yearning that I've known so well it was hard to mistake it for anything else.

But before he does something he'll regret, before he gets me attached his breath catches in his throat and he suddenly stands. I look up at him curiously with creased brows.

"Well thanks for the drink, sunshine," He says. I stand, following him to the door like some dog. Was I capable of honing independence for five seconds?

"I appreciate the gesture, but I don't need to be walked out," He gives me a crooked smile, and something foreign pangs in my chest, something I hadn't even felt with Azriel. "But, it was just," I struggle to find exactly what I wanted to say. "Never mind," I sigh, spinning on my heel, angling back to the couch but he grabs my wrist and pulls me back to face him. "It's okay, use your words," he eased and I swore I didn't imagine his thumb stroke on the back of my palm.

"I was just going to ask if you wanted to help me get back at the spymaster," I utter and his brow lifts a fraction. "Are you always plotting in that pretty head of yours?" He leans against the doorway, clearly interested. "You can say no if you want—" I start. "Tell me what I have to do," he sighs and a small smile curves my lips.

"How would you feel about faking a relationship, for the sole purpose of making him mad, nothing more I promise," I say. His brows raise and his hand leaves the knob of my front door. "Why don't I come with you, to the meeting?" I propose. A grin curves his lips. "Look at you scheming," He hums and I roll my eyes. "Who do you think I learned it from?" I smile and he returns it. "Go get cleaned up then, I'll wait," He leans against the closed door and I nod, spinning on my heel and walking down into the hall.

Faking a romance with Eris had been easier than I had thought. Our touches were casual, before the others had even arrived he had his arm slung around my shoulders as if he'd been at my side for the past century. Maybe this was all to get back at Azriel, but my hand on his abdomen didn't have to be there, and I didn't have to look up at him like he stole the breath from my very lungs but it was involuntary, something that couldn't be helped when around him.

He was regal, his features sharp and his words sharper. But more importantly, he actually looked at me, looked at me like I was anything worth importance and more than just a distraction. "You nervous?" He asks, his other arm coming around my waist as I turn to him fully. Everything was so natural, whatever this tether was between us rendered any awkward tension and allowed a casual intimacy.

"No," I shake my head and I meant it, I didn't feel scared with his arms around me, his warm hands splayed over my waist as if they were meant to be there. "You think we'll be convincing enough?" He tilts his head down at me. I peer up at him through my lashes, wrapping my arms around his neck— something about him made me feel so bold, so powerful, so content.

"You want to practice?" He offers with a smirk. "It couldn't hurt," I whisper, his mouth just inches from mine. "Unless you bite," I add and his smirk widened. "Only if you want me to," He shrugs. I grab him by the back of his neck and pull him down, his lips sealing over mine with a fervent force that was unknown to me, his hands mapped my body as he slowly pushed my back into a trunk of a tree, he was entirely addicted to the way I felt, the way I tasted. He was at my mercy and entirely satisfied with the fact.

I arch up into him and he kisses me deeper, pushing me harder into the tree as his tongue swiped over my bottom lip with a needy intent. I parted my lips just wide enough for his tongue to take control, worshipping my mouth like a temple and I could only let him, knew no better but to comply because I loved it, loved the attention, the feeling of him giving me his all while I met him halfway, giving and taking.

“Gods, are you done?” A familiar voice grumbles from the distance and I freeze, Eris’s lips slip from mine, and a broad smirk breaks across his features as he turns to face two winged men, revealing me in the process.

Their eyes weren’t on Eris like mine were, they were pinned directly on me. I smile softly as Eris possessively tightens his hold around my waist, fingers digging into my skin through the material of my dress.

Cassian and Azriel continued to gawk at me, the both of them held straight expressions but their eyes didn’t leave me once, brows twinged upward in both shock and concern, as if I was in any more danger with Eris than with Azriel.

“Are we going to get this over with or are you going to continue to stare?” Eris cut through their gazes and both their eyes snapped towards him. “What’s she doing here?” Azriel seethed, crossing his arms over his chest like he always did when he was infuriated. He was so easy to read for a spymaster. Eris seemed to have recognized this too, anyone angry had little control over what they said, making Eris gain the high ground.

“We can trust her, if that’s what you’re worried about,” The male beside me retorts. Azriel only ground his teeth in reply.

The meeting had started and they began talking about politics, to which I quickly tuned out. Azriel made a few digs at me but it was nothing but a toddler lashing out over not getting what he wants.

It was amusing to watch his cool demeanor deteriorate while Eris found every weakness and dissected it with insults and remarks, I just stared up at the red-haired male with an amused grin, my arms wrapping around his torso, occasionally pressing kisses to the top of his hand that had been slung around my shoulders.

I can remember kissing Azriel’s hands, the scars, it was one of our better moments. It was a low blow to do it to Eris too but it had happened without thought, like an instinct and it made Azriel absolutely feral.

Once the meeting was over Cassian was quick to grab Azriel’s arm and tell him to winnow before he could say anything he’d regret.

“Always a pleasure Cassian,” Eris smiled to the male. “Shadow singer,” He nods his head. “If you don’t mind I’d like to leave early, we have places to be,” Eris looks at me with a smile and I return it. “Yeah enjoy my sloppy seconds,” Azriel spat and I smirked. “You’re the one who told me to find someone who could fuck better than you,” I scoff. “Don’t be jealous because I did.”

“Jealous? Why would I be jealous when I had you before you started whoring yourself around—” He started. “Az,” Cassian warned, even his brother was upset at him. It felt good to make him hurt, felt like power. Eris looked like he was about to retort, looked angry, and angry meant having little control over what you say so I placed a hand on his abdomen and he clamped his mouth shut with a low growl. He knew this was my battle, knew it should go out on my terms. However, that didn’t stop his fingertips from singing with fire.

“It’s humiliating, honestly Az,” I tease. “Don’t call me that,” He bites but I ignore him. “First you lose Elain to Lucien, and now me to his brother?” I say like it’s something to study, a truly demeaning tone. It made him furious. “Maybe you’d be better off going for girls who don’t want you,” I shrug and the spymaster snarled, Cassian winced at the indirect mention of Morrigan. “Just a suggestion,” I shrug, then look to Eris, signaling that I’m finished.

“Excuse us,” Eris flashes them a smile as he slips his warm hand into my cold one. Eris doesn’t wait for them to reply before he winnows us away, back to my apartment.

“You’re a lot more cunning than you look, Sunshine,” Eris says, his hand leaving mine in favor of coming to my cheek as I peered up at him. “I wasn’t too mean, was I?” My brows crease in worry. I wanted to get back at Azriel, sure, but I wasn’t looking to break any alliances. “There’s the girl I know,” He uttered. “I didn’t mean to be impolite— I just,” I begin to ramble until he tilts my head up manually to face him, making me seal my lips shut at the wonder in his eyes, how he looked at me the way no one has before.

“You were perfect,” He reassured. “And watching you tear him apart was awfully attractive,” He smirked. “I did not tear him— what do you mean?” I snap my head up to look at him and he shrugs. “I’m just saying, I wouldn’t have kissed you if I didn’t want to,” He shrugs. He wanted to?

“Do you, still want to?” I asked meekly with his hands on my cheeks and my heart pounding against my ribs so loud I was sure he could hear it.

“So shy,” He observes with a growing smile. “That’s okay, we can work on that,” He says like it’s a pressing issue, clearly excited to corrupt it out of me.

I rise onto my toes and crash my lips onto his, warmth blooming in the pit of my stomach at the sensation. My hands came to his jaw while he traveled down onto my waist, one finding purchase at my hip while the other came under my hip, tapping twice and indicating for me to jump. I wrap my legs tightly around his torso as he catches me.

My back bows as he leans into it, tilting my head to the side and opening my mouth for his tongue. We blindly stumbled down the hallway, he must’ve been guessing his steps because he was too busy with his lips on mine, too enamored with our kiss to ask which door was my bedroom.

He got lucky and opened the door to the master chamber, quickly closing the door behind him.

I didn’t want to waste another moment without his skin to mine, a moment without him inside of me, a moment without his hands in my hair— so I was grateful when my back met the mattress of my bed and he crawled over me, settling between my open legs, hovering above me with his hands on either side of my head.

We were both panting when he pulled away, need blazing in his eyes like a fire and I leaned closer to smother it, or get burned by it, I hadn’t decided yet.

His lips reconnected with mine and I was quick to reach for the buttons of his shirt, pulling him free from the fabric that strained against his muscular arms while he worked at the ties of my dress.

We were a tangle of limbs and needy pulls until eventually he thrashed my dress off and I unbuckled his pants. He breathed deeply as he pulled away, taking my bare body in, studying every curve and fill of my figure. Gods he looked like an animal with that glint in his eyes. “You have no idea how long I’ve wanted this,” He confessed, head dipping into my neck and leaving sloppy love bites trailing from my jaw to my collarbone. “You imagined this?” I murmur, attempting to tease him but it came out all too soft and innocent. “Fuck, every night baby,” He admits and my cheeks flush.

He manages to get his pants off, freeing himself from the constraints of his boxers. I nearly gasped at the sight of him because, Mother, he was huge.

“Eris I don’t think I can,” I look down at his erect member with creased brows, afraid he might split me in half.

“I know baby, it’s okay, we’ll stretch you out first,” He reassured, placing a gentle kiss on my neck and I nodded, trusting him.

“You want my tongue or fingers?” He questions and his sultry gaze leaves me wanting his lips on mine. “Fingers,” I say, only because I favored his lips when they were kissing me. I’d have to see how good he was with his tongue at a different time.

He flashed an animalistic smile before leaning down and sealing his mouth over mine, tongue immediately finding its place swirling with mine, not a battle but a dance.

He practically rips my panties off, and then two of his fingers dive into my soaked folds, my arousal lubing his hand. He smiles at the feel of me, how wet I was over just a few kisses.

His thumb made contact with my clit and I arched, a soft moan slipping from the base of my throat and he caught it with his mouth. He smirks, his fingers beginning to circle over my pulsing entrance, I ached for him, for all of him.

“Eris,” I pleaded out and that was all he needed before he sent both of his long, wide fingers into my cunt. I gritted my teeth at the stretch, holding back moans as he began to curl them expertly inside of me, flicking over that sensitive spot with ease like he knew exactly where I wanted him.

“Fuck, so good at that,” I murmur incoherently, sweat lining my brow as he continues to pleasure me with his hand alone.

His thumb returned to that delicate bud, teasingly circling it with the perfect amount of pressure. My breathing becomes heavy as a symphony of moans is pulled from my chest. There was no way to explain the feeling in my abdomen, the feeling he caused. It was engrossing and hot, so fucking hot.

He was like a furnace above my body, absorbing all the heat from the room so he could possess it, burning over me.

“Eris, I can’t s’too much,” I whisper helplessly and his hand continues to work, continuing its relentless pleasure over my pussy.

“Be a good girl and cum on my hand, alright?” He instructs and I suck in a sharp breath, feeling that orgasm pick up then tumble over that fine line. My legs jolt as I find release, doing exactly as he said and reaching my high on his fingers alone. “That’s it, just like that,” He hummed, helping me down from my climax as he pulls his fingers from my stimulated cunt.

“You think you’re ready to take me Sunshine?” He tilts his head with a caring look in his eyes, if I didn’t know any better I’d think he was being mean, but his touches were gentle and his movements were slow, hinting that if I wasn’t ready he would stop and we could go to bed now.

“I want you inside Eris,” I confess. I wanted him more than just inside. I was ready to cut myself open and allow him to dissect me, analyze me. But I’d have to settle for this connection instead. “Please,” I beg, tears at the corners of my eyes from my earlier release and he nods. “Tap me twice if it’s too much alright?” He kisses my cheek with the intimacy of lovers who have been tangled in bedsheets for decades. “Okay,” I nod.

We watch as he aligns his heavy cock with my entrance, a pearl of his pre-cum budding at his red, angry tip. He swipes himself through my folds a few times, the weight of him alone enough to satisfy. He lathers himself in my arousal, then strokes himself once, twice, until finally, he pushes his head into my aching slit. He grunts at the tight feeling and I was unsure if I was pushing him out or sucking him in.

He moves deeper, going quicker as to get the most uncomfortable part for me over with. His movements remain gentle, my fingers intertwine into his deep, auburn hair. Whiskey-colored eyes stare down at me half-lidded and it only leaves my heat sopping wet.

I swallow my moans as he reaches halfway, then deeper. He brushes over that perfect, sensitive spot then somehow goes further. I hadn’t even known it was possible to be so fucking long because by the time he had sheathed himself entirely his tip lightly kissed my cervix.

I writhed beneath him as he began to pull in and out, thrusting his hips at a leisurely pace, feeling out what made me feel good and where he was when I moaned the most. He was specializing this entirely to me and how it made me feel.

“Faster,” I panted. “Fuck, Eris I want you feral,” I plead, the tears that had been threatening at my eyes now spilling onto my cheeks, down onto the mattress below my head. He followed my instruction, picking up his pace and beginning to piston himself into me with such a maddening force that the bed began to creak against the power.

He held me tight so I didn’t move up the bed with his movements, and the sounds, the wet, lewd sounds of his cock entering me over and over sent me into a moaning mess.

“Spread your legs,” He ordered. I did as he said, going as far as I could manage. “That’s it, wider baby,” He hummed and I let out a cry of pleasure as he brushed my cervix at his next thrust, breath leaving my lungs momentarily at the feeling. He smirks at the way I squeezed him tighter. He grabbed my thighs and forced my legs apart himself, folding me in half and bringing them up to my chest, holding me in a mating press.

I whimpered at the realization that I was completely vulnerable for him, laid entirely bare and I fucking loved every second of it.

A fire roared in the hearth, the warm light making his skin practically glow with the sheen of sweat on his chest. “You’re so tight,” He grunted out in between thrusts. “You feel so good wrapped around my cock.” My pussy pulsed at that, at the unapologetic force of his shaft as he rammed into me, the dirty words, the perfect sounds that filled the room.

Eris continues to push into me, faster this time, his speed outmatched and the look in his eyes, pure lust. He leans down and trails kisses from the side of my neck, taking in the expanse and leaving it with marks and saliva. He kisses to the back of my ear, his soft whimpers inaudible if he was any farther sent me reeling, gods he whined every time he drove into me and I loved every fucking moment of it.

“All mine,” He purrs at the shell of my ear, his breath fanning over my jaw. “All yours,” I reply and he twitches at the devoting words. “No one else can fuck you this good, isn’t that right?” He hums and I mewl— because he was right, he sent me to planets of pleasure, the emotion behind each of his thrusts left me convulsing.

“Mhm,” I nod. “Best I ever had, Eris,” I pant and he smiles, nipping at my earlobe before returning his attention to rolling his hips over mine, his balls slapping against my ass as my slick drips onto my thighs.

He continues to push into me, every injection harder and deeper than the last leaving me to spiral beneath him. His base rubbed against my clit and that had been my breaking point. “Eris, I’m gonna—” I couldn’t even get the words out. “I know, me too baby go ahead,” He allowed and with his next thrust hitting my cervix I found that sweet ecstasy and it was more than just a wave of pleasure it was a tsunami, crashing down onto me with a force I thought I’d never recover from. I felt full, complete.

He followed soon after, his release pumping into me and painting my walls white, and gods he was so close to my womb I could feel his warm seed seep into my cervix while I milked his cock dry.

I pant and my legs jolt as he guides them away from my chest and slowly pulls himself from my throbbing cunt, still squeezing him in despite just experiencing the best orgasm of my life.

He flipped over onto the pillow beside me. Our pants filled the room as the fire dwindled into ash and we were left in the darkness, with nothing but the company of each other.

We lay there for only a moment before Eris left my side on the bed, pulling his boxers back up. I assume he’s going to leave now that whatever transaction this was is over, and even if I felt my heart crumbling to pieces I’d let him go. We didn’t owe each other anything, there was no reason for him to stay anymore, even if I wanted him to.

I ignored the noises of clothes ruffling and drawers opening, closing my eyes and waiting for him to leave until I got up to clean myself.

That was until warm arms came beneath my back and thighs, hoisting me up into his arms bridal style.

“What are you doing?” My brows crease, arms wrapping around his neck involuntarily. “I’m getting you cleaned up,” He explains with such a casual smile it makes my heart beat twice as fast.

He led me into the bathroom and placed me on the cool counter, the apex of my thighs aching with an already developing soreness. “Why don’t you tell me about your day?” He offers, finding a rag beneath the sink and wetting it with warm water. “You were with me for most of my day,” I mumble and he smiles at the fact. “Tell me about before, talk to me,” He says and an odd feeling begins to spread in my chest, the kind that made my cheeks flush and my head spin.

So I did. I told him about my day, how I went to the flower market and ran into a familiar face, how I invited him in for wine and it managed to end in the best sex of my life.

I also told him about how I felt when I was getting my revenge on Azriel. Told him that it made me feel powerful, but also that I was satisfied where it ended and I wasn’t interested in associating with him at all any longer.

I told stories, topics varying in length until I was sure I had been talking his ear off— but he was listening, chiming in now and then, signaling that he was still tuned in to whatever I had to say. It was healing to talk about all of this while he cared for me, his touches gentle and his calloused fingers warm. He healed internal scars with those hands.

When I cleaned myself up I wiped myself down and then changed into a nightgown before getting into bed. He took his chance to go above and beyond, he even offered a bath but I told him I was tired so he only wiped me down in touches so featherlight I would’ve missed it if I hadn’t been staring at him in the low lighting the entire time.

He brushed through my hair and made sure I was okay and safe. I had realized he was so gentle with me because of the way his father had treated women in the past, his mother in particular. Becoming a male like that seemed to be Eris’ greatest fear, which made clear why he was so soft with me. And perhaps it was also because I deserved the kindness.

“This one?” He held up my softest nightgown and I nodded, putting my arms up so he could slip it over my head. He grinned as I adjusted the dress down past my head, leaving my hair in my face, making me grin wildly. He reached out and brushed it behind my ears.

“I love that smile,” He hums and my cheeks burn with a blush. He then leans in and presses a loving kiss to my lips. I had never experienced anything quite like it and now I never wanted anything else. He pulled away, analyzing my features beneath the dim light, and if I wasn’t red from his earlier comment I definitely was now.

“Alright, let’s get you into bed,” He reached beneath my thighs and hoisted me up into his arms, carrying me back into my room and then laying me down on the soft mattress.

I sigh contentedly as he slips into the bed beside me. “Can you hold me,” I whisper, feeling confident enough around him to ask such a thing. “Was planning on it,” He smirks, wrapping his arm around my torso, and pulling me right into his chest.

I smirk excitedly, slinging my leg over his torso and wrapping my arms around the back of his neck. “I thought you were tired?” He murmured as I pecked all over his face in lazy kisses. “I don’t want to waste this,” I confess and his gaze softens. “I’ll be here in the morning,” He reassured and I swallowed thickly. “Promise?” I murmur and he nods, pressing a hard kiss on my forehead. “I promise, sunshine.” And those words sent me into the first peaceful slumber I’ve had in a while.

Eris had not been in the bed next to me when I awoke. A sense of hurt and betrayal ran through me at the sight of the empty bed. I audibly groaned in defeat, muttering curses into my pillow because last night had left me so hopeful, but I suppose what’s easy in the evening is a drag by morning.

I huff and slip from my covers, adjusting the straps of my nightgown and leaving my bedroom with small, waddling steps due to my horribly sore legs.

I continued my slow, depressing trudge until I made it into the kitchen and froze at the sight of Eris leaning over the stove, making breakfast.

“You’re going to get burned cooking shirtless,” I warn, ignoring the visible release of tension in my shoulders. Because he held up his promise, even better, he’s making me food. He whirls around to face me with a small smile. “I won’t get burned,” He scoffs, holding his hand out to the fire of the stove, the flames growing then reaching towards him and forming into a ball in his palm.

I marveled and walked closer, staring straight into the flickering ball of heat, dangerously close. “You won’t either,” He says, uncurling his fingers and allowing the fire to stretch into a line of flames leading from me to him. My breath hitched as the flame came into contact with my skin but it didn’t burn, in fact, it barely even tickles. The serpent of fire twines around my wrist, dancing along my skin and I smile, looking up at him excitedly like I was the one controlling it.

“See? You’re safe,” He says then retracts the flames and feeds them back into the fire at the stove. Safe. That was the feeling that’s been filling that pit in my stomach.

“Now, you hungry?” He tilts his head and I look up at him in wonder, why was I ever settling for less when I could have everything I ever wanted with him?

I wrapped my arms around his neck and pressed my lips hard onto his, attempting to show my gratitude through the action, my chest pressing to his as his arms came around me, heating my frame as I exposed my fragile heart to him and he returned the movement with the same tenderness. “I’ll take that as a yes.” He mumbled against my mouth, making me smile giddily up at him.

General Taglist: @fxckmiup @olive-main @iluvyewman-blog @gaymistakeboi @glitterypirateduck @amara-moonlight @impossibelle @fauxdette @going-through-shit @glam-targaryen @cauldronboilme27 @sarawritestories @tele86 @rogerbarnesxx @azriels-shadowsinger @stinkinstuffie @sandramalikstyles-blog @sassyangel16 @lilah-asteria @starsinyourseyes @inloveallthetime @melsunshine @nighttimemoonlover @ireallywannasleep127 @cumuluscranium @adharanotfound @azrielsmate3 @aelincaddel @hiddlestonspassionsackx @dee-writes-smut @secretlyhers

Comment a “💙” to be added to the General Taglist

Comment a “🖤” to be added to the Azriel Taglist

[wlntrsldler]

If the boys played “never have I ever” in an interview, what would be revealed to the public?

I SPRINTED TO MY COMPUTER

here's the transcript of poisoned mercury's buzzfeed interview where they played never have i ever as part of their press tour to promote their new album:

interviewer: thank you guys for coming!

luke *smiling while he fixes his mic*: thanks for having us :) we were just talking about how we used to do buzzfeed quizzes when we were younger.

travis: there were many days where we'd be in luke's house back in connecticut and completely forget that we were supposed to be rehearsing because we got caught up trying to figure out which inside out emotion we were.

interviewer: well, i'm glad to hear it because today we're gonna play a game of 'never have i ever.'

chris: unrelated but i fucking love that show. team paxton for life.

luke: dude no. ben is clearly the right choice.

connor: ok mr. enemies to lovers, of course you'd say that.

luke: shut up???!

travis: i think if we took the inside out quiz again right now, i'd get disgust because that's how i feel being in a band with two idiots who are so in love with their girlfriends.

connor: swear to god if i hear another "no you hang up first," from either one of you *looks at chris and luke* i'm blowing my brains out.

interviewer looks around the room, trying to ask the producers what she should do. the video editors are already stressing because they know they have to bleep out a lot of the words the boys are using.

interviewer: .... so let's start with the first question. never have i ever gone skinny dipping.

chris: fuck, how did you get all of us on the first question?

connor: yeah we've gone skinny dipping a few times, but the most recent was last summer. mama c-- shoutout mama c, we love you!

luke: yeah, we love you mama!

connor: she put all of us on timeout and we spent the entire summer at a music camp and on our last night, we all went skinny dipping at the lake with our roommates.

luke: oh shit, i forgot about that. those were good times. *looks at chris* i miss camp bro.

chris: me too.

travis *stares deadpan into the camera*: do you see what we have to deal with?

interviewer: never have i ever had a crush on a friend's sibling.

travis: guilty.

chris *turns his head so fast*: given that you're related to connor and luke is an only child, you better be talking about a non-band friend.

travis *shrugging*: your older sister is hot, rodriguez.

chris: stay away from my sister.

luke *looks at the interviewer with wide eyes*: next question or you'll have a video to submit to worldstar.

interviewer: oh! uh, okay-- never have i ever accidentally posted something to my main account instead of my private or close friends one.

connor *cracking up*: castellan, wanna take this one?

luke *blushing*: this feels like a targeted question because we know the infamous video of me with the handsome squidward filter on (the hozier incident) that was supposed to go on my close friends story! i was so embarrassed. to be clear, i was JOKING. i don't actually flirt like that.

travis: i've seen you flirt with y/n, and you in the squidward video had more game than you normally do.

luke *teasing because he knows travis does not want a relationship*: and yet who's single between the two of us?

connor: oh he got you there.

travis: y/n, if you're watching this, you deserve better. he's a loser. i have better friends i can set you up with.

luke: five star, if you're watching this, you're stuck with me. there's no going back.

interviewer: never have i ever had a song written about me.

chris: this is a great pivot to promote our sophomore album's lead single, "kiss her you fool!" we wrote this song about our front man, luke, here. our second album "optimism don't come easy (unless it's with you)" is out now.

interviewer: i love that shameless self-promo.

connor: i think we as a band can benefit from having some shame, but thank you.

chris *turns to luke*: this will also come as a shock to you, but there's another song out in the world that's kinda about you.

luke: huh? which one?

travis: quinnie, remember her? she was in cabin 7. she wrote the bulk of it, but y/n actually gave her the idea. chris and connor helped her with instrumentals and the song is sick.

connor: it was amazing. quinnie is so talented. if you guys haven't heard her music, i highly, highly recommend it. the song we're talking about is called touch tank. you guys should check it out.

chris: agreed. she's also just a fucking cool person. she's one of our closest friends in the industry.

travis *making a heart with his hands*: we love you, quinnie!

interviewer: okay, final question since we're running out of time. never have i ever gone on a world tour for my band's second album.

luke *laughs*: i see what you did there. that was good.

connor: we are soooooo excited to announce that we're going back on tour! this summer, we'll be seeing all your beautiful faces again. tickets go on sale this friday! we hope to see you there!

luke: check out our band's twitter for more information on how to get tickets and to see if we'll be coming to a city near you.

chris: we miss seeing you guys!

travis: see you guys so soon! we love you!

interviewer: that's all the time we have for today. thank you guys so much. it was a pleasure!

[intimacyequalsdeath]

Bubz's Slasher Fictober: Day 3 Poly Ghostface Part 1 (Billy and Stu) (Apple Cider)

Day 4! If it isn't obvious by now I wrote like most of these in September so I could post them way easier when October is here so shout out to past me for planning ahead.

Part 2 to this fic here

Notes: Minors DNI, Suggestive themes, Gender neutral reader, no specific pronouns. This is a poly relationship fic so if you aren't into it then this is not the fic for you.

"Stu that's insane" You said as he leaned against the locker next to yours, He laughed.

"Oh come on babe, Billy doesn't have to know anything"

"And you'd really think we'd be able to get away with it?" You asked incredulously, To try and do something behind Billy's back was a risk.

"Yeah babe totally. Me and you, in and out, and good ole Billy would be none the wiser" You closed your locker and leaned against it looking at him.

"Fine, If you really think we'll get away with this, But I swear Stu if Billy finds out-" Stu grabbed your shoulders.

"He won't babe, Stu's got you"

Before third period Stu had approached you with an idea, Billy had some things to take care of and wouldn't be able to do the boys usual Ghostface schtick that him and Stu usually manned. So Stu had come to you, their precious significant other, to help stalk out the next victim.

Billy had always been very much so against you EVER joining them on their excursions ever since they had come clean that they were the Ghostface. Stu had always agreed to keep Billy quiet but he had teased and propositioned you in what you thought was a joking way before until this time around.

The two of you knew that if Billy found out Stu had even so much as thought to invite you to join him while Billy was off doing other things that there would be hell to pay. But it was just a stake out to choose the next victim they wanted to go after, Stu figured it wouldn't be that bad.

"I'll do it then, If you promise Billy won't find out then fine let's do it" You told him, A wicked grin spread across his face.

"Oh babe! I knew you'd say yes!" Stu brought you into a hug and kissed the side of your head "I'll pick you up later tonight and you can even pick who it is!". If Stu Macher was anything, it was enthusiastic.

================================================

Later that night Stu arrived at your house as promised. You left your house through your window as usual and got in the passenger seat of Stu's parents car.

"It's time baby! You're gonna love it I promise" Stu said as you opened the door to get in.

"Sure Stu, I'm more so just interested to see what my boys do when I'm not around" Which was the truth, You'd always wanted to see just how the Ghostface attacks went down and how they singled out who they went after.

"One day maybe it'll be me, you and Billy, Like one big happy family, You pick the victims, me and Billy go after them. It'll be great!" Stu said as he pulled away from your house and heading towards the destination to stake out.

"You know that would take a lot of convincing on Billy's part though"

"That's why we start here, and one day we tell Billy about this and show him how good you did! Then he won't be able to deny how much of a natural you are"

"Stu it's just a stakeout I thought? Like all we're doing is picking one of these sorry pieces of shit to go after" Stu nodded.

"It is, but this is a gateway into your life of the Ghostface, and here we are!"

You looked at the window and noticed you and Stu were pulled off into a shadowy part of the backroad down the road from a house you recognized from a few parties you had went to with the boys.

It was about ten at night at this point and you knew the black car would be almost impossible to see behind the trees you were covered by so you and Stu would be impossible to see.

"Now I do have to warn you this is the boring part, We need to make sure we know when their gonna be home and when they aren't so we know when to strike" Stu told you.

You and Stu then sat in silence for about an hour just watching the house and the people who lives there coming home for the night. You were startled out of the silence by your cellphone ringing.

"It's Billy" You told Stu starting to get nervous, Stu sighed

"Just tell him your sick at home doing homework or something" Stu told you, you shakily answered.

"Hello?" You answered the phone softly.

"Hey baby" Billy's voice poured down the phone like honey.

"What's up?" You asked him "Did you get your shit done?"

"Yeah baby I did, What are you up too?" You froze then remembered what Stu told you to say.

"Oh I'm just laying down and all, I didn't feel so hot after school"

"Really?" Billy asked

"Yeah my stomach started feeling upset" You heard Billy sigh then pause for a second through the phone.

"Well see baby that actually funny, you know why?" Shit.

"Why Billy?" You asked, still hoping to play innocent.

"Well it's funny cause I'm standing in your room right now and you aren't fucking here" You turned your head and frantically tapped Stu on the shoulder to get his attention.

"Billy" You said at a loss for what else to say.

"Don't give me that shit, where the fuck are you?" Billy was angry, You could almost feel the anger through the phone.

Stu now obviously listening in to the call started the car and then grabbed the phone from you.

"Hey Billy man why don't you meet us at my house, We'll see you then, bye!" and then he hung up.

"STU! why would you hang up !?" You knew that would've pushed Billy passed the point of being furious.

"Relax babe just let Stu handle this"

A few minutes late the two of you had pulled into Stu's driveway, his parents way on another trip to some other country. Stu brought you to his room to sit on his bed and wait for Billy to arrive.

A little while later after many hushed words trying to calm you down from Stu, The two of you heard the front door slam open then shut once again, and angry hurried footsteps run up the stairs.

As soon as Stu's bedroom door opened Billy started yelling.

'What in the fuck do you two think your doing?"

"Billy It's not-" Billy didn't stop.

"No, you're gonna wait a second, I fucking told the two of you I didn't want you to be involved in mine and Stu's shit"

"Billy it wasn't all that, It was just a stakeout" Stu piped up. Billy's head snapped to look at Stu.

"Billy c'mon, don't be mad, like Stu said it wasn't all that. I was never in any danger or anything. We kept it from you cause we knew you were gonna be mad" You explained trying to diffuse any confrontation between your two boys before it started.

'That's not the point and you know it, the three of us agreed that you would never be involved at all. The two of you went behind my fucking back and violated something I only put in place to fucking protect you" Billy's anger wasn't dissipating but at least he wasn't yelling anymore.

Billy exhaled and sat next to you on the bed, you wrapped your arm around his shoulders in an attempt to start calming him down.

"Billy we're sorry, we knew you were gonna be mad and still did it, but do you really think Stu would've let me go along if I was actually going to be in any real danger"

Stu appeared on the opposite side of you as you spoke.

"Yeah man, you know I love Y/n as much as you do, If I thought things were gonna get hairy I wouldn't of even thought about the two of us going, especially not without you"

Billy sighed once again but you felt some of the tension leaving his body. You rubbed his shoulder willing him to speak what was on his mind.

"It's not just about dangerous shit like that though, It's also about if for some fucking reason we ever get caught. I want you to have no ties to it at all. You aren't apart of it and you don't know anything"

You nodded in understanding, that anger wasn't cause Billy was actually mad he was just scared. Billy continued.

"When I got to your house and went through your window expecting you to be there only to see that you weren't, I got I don't know, I got really fucking scared. Even though my brain knew you were probably with Stu knowing what we do and what danger you could really be in scared the shit out of me."

Stu scooted closer and wrapped his arm around your shoulders as you brought Billy closer to lean against you as you leaned back into Stu.

"We're sorry we scared you Honey, we honestly just thought it would be a help for me to fill in since you had shit to do tonight and couldn't. Sure we thought you were gonna be mad if you found out but we didn't mean to scare you"

"Yeah man, the last thing we wanted to do was that. I wasn't thinking shit through and thought it would be fun if maybe one day it was the three of us together instead of just me and you"

"I guess it would be nice but I still stand by what I said, for now at least please, I don't want you apart of it" Bill said looking at you, you smiled and nodded before leaning over and placing your lips on his frown.

You felt Stu's hands run up your sides, and tug at your shirt, You playfully rolled your eyes before letting him take your shirt off. Billy let out a laugh before connecting your lips once more.

Stu's lips attached themselves to your neck and Billy's hands made their way down to your pants to unbutton them and move them down your legs. Billy tossed your pants to the floor as you got up onto your knees on the bed in front of him.

Stu wrapped his arms around your middle and placed his chin on your shoulder with a smirk.

"Maybe if I dressed like this you'd let me come with you guys?" You teased.

"Certainly babe" Stu said, Billy shook his head.

"You two spend too much time around each other" he said, placing his hands underneath Stu's on your hips.

"Maybe you should spend some time with us and show us what we're missing" You smirked at him.

"Maybe I will"

[reallychaoticwoo]

Hi, babe!!!! I just accidentally hit my head really hard and I need some comfort. So could you please write something for a non idol! Reader with some kind of injury? I’m feeling better now, but I still need something to get me going. Love you💕💕

⛓️Hello babes! So this may have been slightly self-indulgent as your girl is in SERIOUS need of some physical affection lol but i do really hope you enjoy it!⛓️

✨️Peace of mind✨️

❤️Pairing: San x reader

⚠️Warnings: cussing, some suggestiveness🖤

This is truly a fluff fest, and I am absolutely NOT sorry.

‼️This is purely for entertainment purposes and does not represent the idol in any way‼️

🖤This was not proofread, so I apologize for any typos or weird mistakes 😅 Hope you enjoy!🖤

You didn't plan on injuring yourself today, I mean, does anyone ever really plan on it? You'd been rushing to get your things together, eager to head home and get out of your uncomfortable office attire. Bending down to grab your laptop bag and purse your head collided with the corner of your desk. Your vision blacking out for a quick moment and a sharp pain shooting through your head, you let out a groan. "Fuck.." Your hand finding it's way to your forehead to apply pressure to the aching area. Sitting back in your chair hand still holding your head you heard a knock at the door. "Come in." San opened the door, leaning himself against the frame. "Hey I was just coming to see if you.... shit, are you okay?" The casual stance he had disappeared as he made his way to your desk. Pulling your hand away from your head his eyes widened. "You're bleeding y/n. What happened?" Concern written all over his face, he headed to bookshelf in the corner of your office where the first aid kit was. "I'm okay.." You started looking at your blood covered hand that had been resting on your head. "I was just trying to pack up and I hit my head on the desk when I went to grab my bags." He let out a small chuckle, internally scolding himself for laughing at your clumsiness. "Yup, that sounds like something you'd do." He sat on your desk facing you, pulling your hand into his to wipe away the blood with a small antibacterial wipe he'd gotten from your first aid kit. "So what were you coming in to ask me before you stopped to play nurse?" You asked, nuding his knee with your free hand, a cute little smirk resting on your face.

The two of you had a bit of a back and forth going at the office. Passing flirty winks back and forth in the hallways, randomly showing up at each other's offices with any and every excuse in the book as to why. Neither of you had actually made a move to further things, though. Part of you wondered why, but another part of you figured it was because the both of you knew dating in the workplace, you get really messy really quick. Either way, you always caught yourself wishing things could be more.

"Well, I was going to see if you had plans tonight. But considering you just tried to put yourself into a coma, I don't think now would be the best time for a date." As if it was the most casual sentence in the world, he leaned forward to wipe the blood from your forehead and face, with nothing but a concentrated look painting his own. "I wouldn't say no if you asked." You looked up at him, a glimer of relief and excitement passing through your wide eyes. He chuckled knowingly. "Oh, I know. Don't think I haven't been wanting to ask you out for a while now. I just didn't want things to get weird if I did, but I think it's pretty obvious we'd both like to see where this could go." You giggled at the truth he just admitted so bluntly. There was no arguing that you were dying to see what things would be like if you both just allowed yourselves to be honest with your emotions towards each other.

"So, how about instead of going out like I was originally planning, we stay in and you let me take care of you and that injured little head of yours?" Playfully nudging your chin with his thumb, he looked at you with warmth in his eyes and a shinning smile spreading across his lower face. You couldn't help but return the cheesy grin up in his direction. "That sounds even better, honestly. No loud noises or bright lights. And most importantly, no feeling the need to wear uncomfortable clothes to look pretty." He tsked, a fake pout spread across his features. "You wouldn't want to dress up and go on a nice date with me??" He crossed him, arms feigning disappointment. "Right now? No. I want nothing more than some comfy sweats and to get out of these harsh lights." Your head really was throbbing. As much as his banter improved your mood, your eyes had been squinted the whole time, and you were ready to go anywhere that was quite and dimly lit. His muffled laughter catching your attention, he offered you his hand to help you up. He made sure to grab your bags so you wouldn't have to bend down again and risk another blow to your already aching head. "Okay, okay, princess, my place work for you? I've got plenty of comfy sweats, you can pick whichever ones you want." Walking out of your office, your face resembled that of a high school girl getting a text from her crush. You were smiling, blushing, internally screaming, and giggling. I mean, who wouldn't feel that way when the hottest man to ever grace this planet was taking you home to comfort you and make sure you still got a little date out of it. Honestly, the fact you knew without a doubt he'd have no expectations from you made you weak in the knees. Just a genuinely caring man who wants to make sure you are feeling okay because you hit your head. You weren't sure the exact moment the gods started blessing you, but you were mentally thanking them the entire walk to his car.

The car ride was rather nice. His hand resting on your thigh, the two of you talking about everything and nothing. When you finally reached his house, he quickly opened your door, offering you his hand to help you to your feet. Outside his house was simple but beautiful. He had a wrap around porch with a black metal bench swing, stringed light bulbs lining the edge of the covering, and a sitting area with two large wicker chairs and a small table. His yard was well maintained with beautiful flowers and greenery placed perfectly throughout. You were admiring the simplicity and homey feel as he ushered you up the front steps and through his front door. The inside of his home was equally as inviting, sleek, and modern, with carefully placed decor, highlighting the various spacious rooms. Gesturing you to follow him, the two of you moved to his living room. "Make yourself at home. I'm gonna go grab you some headache meds and water really quick. I'll be right back." You smiled in his direction, nodding at him in a silent thank you. Sitting on the couch, you took a look around the living room. A large marble fireplace in front of you with a large TV mounted to the wall above it. The mantle was decorated with a few vining plants and pictures of who you assumed were his brothers or really close friends. You smiled to yourself at how many goofy and well taken photos he'd proudly displayed. He quickly made his way back to the living room with meds and water in hand. "Here, take these. I'm going to go change really quick, and then you can pick out your pj's for the night." With a warm smile and a gentle kiss to the forehead, he made his way down the hall and to his room.

It was only a few minutes before San was back by your side. "Alright, gorgeous, let's get you into some comfier clothes." He bent down, picking you up bridal style and carrying you to his bedroom before sitting you gently on his bed. Opening his closet, he motioned his hand to the large selection of sweats as if to say 'take your pick'. Your eyes lit up at the grandiose selection, a delighted smile on your face. Picking out a plain black set, he brought the clothing to the bed and laid it down next to you neatly. "You can change in here. I'll wait in the living room. You have any movie requests? I can order some pizza, if that sounds good to you." You chuckled at how considerate he was. If you were being honest you'd expected him to be a total fuck boy. The flirting at the office and his perfectly styled appearance just screamed 'I'll take your chick and fuck her in front of you'. Yet, even if there was some truth to that, he was actually turning out to be a real gentleman. "You pick the movie, I can never make a decision and my head hurts too much to even try right now. And pizza sounds great, thank you." With a quick nod, he was leaving the room to let you change. Alone in his room, sitting on his bed, you felt a sense of home. His bed was plush and comfortable. You had to fight yourself to get up and change, deciding it'd probably be off putting if he found you curled up under his sheets fast asleep when you never came back.

Walking back you to the living room, you stopped at the entryway, smiling to yourself at the sight before you. San had set up the perfect at home date night. A makeshift pallet full of blankets on the floor, several pillows leaning against the couch, candles flickering on the mantle and end tables. Pizza was sitting on the coffee table, which was pushed off to the side, sitting next to one of the end tables. He'd turned the lights off to make sure the brightness wouldn't cause your headache to worsen and had a movie already pulled up and ready. Thanking the gods for the nth time today, you walked into the living room, taking your place beside San. Handing you your plate, he pressed play on the movie before grabbing his own plate. Both eating now, you looked to the screen, a familiar movie playing. A movie you'd watched many times, usually when you were alone and sad, sobbing into your pillow at the when you heard the line "if you're a bird, I'm a bird." You should've guessed by this point he'd be the type of guy to enjoy romantic movies. What you didn't guess was that he picked this movie so he could see how you reacted. He wanted to see what made you laugh, what made you cry, and what made your eyes shine with want. He wanted to get to know you better and more than just small talk and casual flirting.

Finishing your food, he took your plates and set them on the coffee table. He put his arm around your shoulder, pulling you closer to him, placing an attentive kiss to the top of your head. Leaning into his touch, resting your head on his shoulder, a content smile grew across your face. Although your headache seemed to be dissipating, the events of the day seemed to be catching up with you. Your eyelids growing heavier by the second. Noticing how your body seemed to grow more relaxed, San wrapped his arms around you and carefully moved the two of into a laying position. In the half awake/ half asleep haze, you softly muttered, "This is perfect. Thank you, Sannie." Your eyes never opening, you nuzzled further into him, your head now rest on his chest, your leg laid across his thighs. The soft touch of his fingers running through your hair and the steady beating of his heart lulling you into the most traquil night of sleep you've had in years. A soft kiss to your forehead and then to the top of your head, San allowed himself to succumb to his own tiredness, truly at ease with you in his arms.

[gotasenseivebeenbetrayed]

peter

"Preserved from when we were just kids" "The goddess of timing Once found us beguiling"

The first part, they were 18 and 22 when they first got together and during the beginning of their relationship and "beguiling" means enchanting/charming - and the World was enchanted by them when they were together (aside from the haters) and then even while they were off and on over the years, he was always the one that she said would come in and out of her life and they'd "never be over", all which still fits with that beguiling line.

"I thought it was just goodbye for now"

"You said you were gonna grow up Then you were gonna come find me"

This is NOT giving me Matty vibes at all and I'll die on that hill. Again, 18 and 22 fits here more than 24 and 25. Sure, you're still growing at 24/25 don't get me wrong but, Matty was very much not saying "I'm going to grow up and come find you one day" at 25 years old in the height of his addiction and during his "I can't be with someone bigger than me because I want success on my own". This is giving "I was 18 when we got together and I need to figure my shit out but, one day we'll be together when I do". This also fits her saying he was always in and out of her life. She's been waiting for him to grow up and come find her again.

"But life was always easier on you Than it was on me"

She got way more hate during their relationship than he did, as she mentions in Slut! On top of the fact, he dated/had flings with many women back to back and never got shit for it but, she dates men back to back and gets hated for it. Granted, that could fit just about any male if we're honest but, she specifically wrote Slut! about Harry so.

"When crossing your jet stream We both did the best we could do Underneath the same moon In different galaxies"

This is giving me very much "we were constantly traveling for work and maybe my jet would cross over yours and we'd end up in the same place and try to make it work and then again when we were so far away from each other". It's also interesting that this album has quite a bit of talk about galaxies/aliens/moons and then circus/con men etc. when the last two MVS we got from Harry were "Satellite" and "Daylight" - Satellite which has the imagery of the sky/galaxy and saying he's waiting for her and then we have "Daylight" which is a circus theme MV.

"And I won't confess that I waited, but I let the lamp burn As the men masqueraded, I hoped you'd return With your feet on the ground, tell me all that you'd learned"

Here she's saying she dated other men during their time apart but, she was always still waiting for him to return to her and tell her he's grown up, figured out what he wanted, and that it's her.I also get the vibe she mentions men specifically because she was talking about him still being a "boy", so she dated men waiting for him - Calvin/Tom because they were her age range and they were "masquerading" as her boyfriend.

"And you said you'd come and get me, but you were twenty-five And the shelf life of those fantasies has expired"

This specific line is what has everyone thinking Matty but, they MET when he was 25. He was not laying all these promises out to her then and that's not what this line is saying to me. It's saying that the muse made all these promises to her BEFORE he turned 25 and then they saw each other again when he was 25 - he told her "I made those as a kid, they've expired now that we're older, they were just fantasies". Harry was 25 when he released Fine Line and when they saw each other at Ed's wedding. My guess is that was the first time they'd seen each other in a while and there was a talk that night and he might've said something along those lines or she took it that way.

All of this to also say the obvious ties of "Peter" and this song bringing the Peter Pan imagery and then "Peter Losing Wendy" reference in "Cardigan" which is obviously about Harry Styles. The fact people want to connect that with Matty now because they think this song is Matty is wild. Matty was not that young when they met, 25 is still a grown ass adult. Technically Harry was 17 when he met Taylor and who knows if they actually dated before he turned 18 or not. But James in Cardigan acts like a 17/18 year old Harry probably would've acted vs a 25 year old man. And even IF Matty and Taylor had a thing back then, it was an incredibly quick fling. Sleeping together and maybe a few dates but, they were definitely never in a relationship. She did not write Cardigan about a short fling.

[iridescentdove]

Okay, but like Imagine Akutagawa x Shinobu! Reader (demon slayer) where like it’s just some of the other characters reactions to him having a lover that they somehow did not know about, not even Dazai, they just question how 2 completely polar opposites get together and why Reader would even want to be with some like Akutagawa and Reader’s response is, "His anger brings me joy☺️" no but really because his introverted cold ass reminds Reader of someone Giyuu.

(The reader is mostly based on Shinobu's personality and height, Chuuya lowkey dancing now that someone is shorter than him.)

FLY HIGH, BUTTERFLY.

akutagawa ryunosuke x shinobu!reader

A/N: I love this request! I worked on it immediately. And you're so right, haha. Chuuya must be so happy rn.

Many things in the world happen for a reason, and despite how strange it is, we'd collectively agree that's just how utterly unexpected life is.

But nobody was prepared enough,

To hear AKUTAGAWA himself has a girlfriend. Okay, well maybe she and him just relate to a lot of things by heart.

But to make things even more shocking, you are both absolute polar opposites. Holy shit. Was this a fever dream or is the world actually ending right now? The one who refuses to believe it the most is DAZAI himself obviously.

He will not believe it. Nope, never. This is all a big nightmare. Plus! You were suuuper pretty ... ? Holy shit. He has no idea how it came to this, and how he never even knew.

Obviously, the Port Mafia found out about it first. CHUUYA had met you for the first time – and you will not believe,

But he was the happiest human being alive.

Omg. Like. Someone ...

*sniffs* ... was shorter .. than him ... 🥺🥺🥺

Of course, you and CHUUYA got along really well. And you even made fun of and insulted Dazai with him. Now, you two are known for being the 'Fuck Dazai' duo in the mafia.

whether it mean a figure of speech or literally hoho

AKUTAGAWA doesn't even know why he fell for you. Dude's heart is set on Dazai and the mafia, but suddenly you just flutter yourself (pun intended) into his life and now he can't seem to stop thinking about you.

Plus, you strong and pretty as hell. Girlboss right there. Although you two seem more of rivaled siblings than an actual couple sometimes – it do be kinda funny. EVERY TIME

EVERY TIME he even speaks you come up with the most hellbent and insulting comeback. People begin to question whether ya'll a couple or forced to be one 😭

This bitch Aku reminds you of a certain eyebrowless boy ...

"That weretiger is ridiculous!" - akutagawa

"Yes~ just like your face <3" - you

"If I jump onto that building–" - akutagawa

"Who do you aspire to be, spiderman?" - you

"What? You failed?" - akutagawa

"Yes! Just like your dad's condom." - you

DAZAI literally was just spying on both of yall's for fun, he did not expect that last one. IT WAS FOUL. But then again he's the one that brought popcorn tbh. A free ticket to the drama show for free. And by that, I mean stalking

When AKUTAGAWA is saying something dark or melancholic, you literally just call out the bs and name him spiteful. All of that with a smile on your face.

Once, someone asked you dazai why you'd evem want to be with someone like that emo guy. Much to the surprise of everyone, you just respond

"Cause his anger makes me feel joy 😊"

Um ok?? Like chile-

The mafia lowkey terrified of you. You'll spit out any form of comebacks or insults with such a sweet smile and aura, it was scary to even know what happened behind close doors.

ATSUSHI is questioning his life. Second to the suicidal detective, he refuses to believe someone like YOU is together with him.

Well, until you show your terrifyingly gruesome side.

"I can slash open your stomach rip out your organs. Or gauge out your eyeballs. Choke you with your intenstines or wrap them around your dead body like a necklace."

Whenever he and AKUTAGAWA are forced to fight together, this little white tiger will ask so many questions. He's just so curious about how you and that emo ass got together.

... Uhm well- bombastic side eye

Okay DAZAI is an unhinged dude back in his mafia days but even he is lowkey terrified of you. He likes death, but not the idea of pain or suffering – so the fact you'd be doing all that without batting an eye makes him wanna bury himself 6ft under.

MORI also begins to regret his choices, but hey you and your boyfriend do some amazing teamwork so to hell with it ig

Of course, showing your angrier side is a surprise. You're always so sweet looking with that calm aura and smile. But then ayy full 360, who is this gruesome serial killer woman??

Eh ... well, let's say no one wants to know. Simply, you and AKUTAGAWA are a sweet duo when you're not being petty and insulting him ykyk

He doesn't really snap back at your insults. Dude just tries to deny it with a straight face.

"I'm not depressed. I'm not emo. I have eyebrows."

Last one is not true but ok

Rest assured, you and him are still a good couple. He loves you, might never admit it out loud – but you already know it so you don't need to hear it from him. Just a love life of teasing, insulting, but still pure and genuine love from each other.

[crow2222]

I’m having brain rot and now it’s your problem too. Darry is always described as being big and all during the book? I feel like he’d be just a tad bit (a shit ton) insecure abt it, and whoever you ship him with gets him this absolutely MASSIvE blanket to make him feel better, so the gang just finds this giant ass blanket on the floor, and Steve, the dumbass, tries to dive into it but just slams into Darry, who’s hiding in it like a little gremlin. Anyways Steve learns the hard way that it was a very bad idea, and is now actively avoiding Darry.

okay so I've thought about how to write this for a while (anon would know.. bc this ask is pretty old and i am so sorry)

WC; 470 words, written from Steve's pov.

"You lyin' sack of dung. I won fair and square!" The keys in the car twisted in my hold, and I took them out as we exited Darry's truck. We had borrowed it for the day, with the promise that we'd do the shopping for him. Of course we had done it, but not without using the handy skills Two-bit had once taught us for a couple of chocolate bars.

My best friend scoffed loudly, so loud infact, that I thought it was cough instead. "Steve you had cards in your pocket, I saw it." Sodapop aimed for my head, but my knees went down before I processed what was happening; dodging the plastic bag that flashed white above me.

I got back up, dusting off the dirt on my freshly washed jeans, making sure to complain to my buddy about it as well. "Well if you didn't cheat me out of my cigarettes, I wouldn't have done that." He opened both doors with his foot, and I vaguely remembered him coming into work without his shoes this morning.

We both had a couple more jabs at each other, until he cowered off to the kitchen. I was about to follow him in, I was feeling peckish, but then I noticed the giant bundle of a blanket on the ground. I'd never seen that blanket around, it must've been new.

Why would they buy a new blanket? Maybe for the couple of us always sleeping over.. I blocked off any new thoughts that would come to mind, and instead let myself fall backwards into it.

"Ow!" It wasn't just blankets.

I got off, moving so quickly that you'd think I was on fire. My back hurt from being jabbed by an elbow, but as the figure flung the blanket off himself, I thought about how he was probably a little more hurt than I was.

"Steve what the hell." Darry's cold eyes bore into mine, and if Sodapop wasn't over in the kitchen, I wasn't so sure I'd still be alive. "I didn't know you were in that!" I fumbled over my words, unsure if there even was a good enough excuse for that man.

But then, he did something I'd never expect. Not in a million years!

Darry stood up, wrapping the blanket around his body before walking off to his room. He did it all without a single word, and left me sprawled out on the sitting room floor, practically shocked.

He did look tired, if his eyebags were anything to go by, but to just walk away without a fight? Wasn't like superdope at all.

Sodapop by then had pocked his head out from the kitchen, and we simply gave each other a shrug that could only be translated into one sentence; what the hell was that?

[urauntiefaye]

To Be Kidnapped Teaser

A/N: Title will be changed just haven't figured it out yet,

CW: Mafia &Team, mentions of Enhypen Kidnapping, mentions of alcohol and partying this is x an OC of mine

WC: 701

It wasn’t supposed to be this way. I wasn’t supposed to be tied up in some ass room being interrogated by one of the most dangerous gangs. But here we are, being tied but in a very uncomfortable chair with rope burn on my wrist and a pounding headache. Now you’re probably wondering “how the fuck did you get in this situation Ariella?”. So I’ll recap a little. I, a broke, depressed, and anxiety ridden college student, decided to say fuck it and went to a club with my friends instead of studying for my finals.

As I went to said club I ended up bumping into a fairly attractive man (I know what you’re thinking, I should’ve seen the red flags with just that sentence, but I was drunk and honestly didn’t give two shits at the time). He was pretty tall, probably around 6’1, with dark brown hair. We flirted throughout the night and if I was actually dumb I would’ve gone home with him. But I am not, and I know stranger danger. So once it got pretty late I excused myself and attempted to make my way home. Until the next thing I know I was fucking ATTACKED and thrown into an expensive ass car. Which I wasn’t really upset about, because if I’m getting kidnaped at least it’s in a boujee way.

And yeah, that’s how I got here. Minus the place being absolutely filthy, and cold, it was also dark. But hey, what am I supposed to expect in this situation?. I let out a huff and tried to get into a comfortable potion. Well, as comfortable as I could get. I tried to make out what the rest of the room looked like, but it was too dark to see anything. I deadass don’t even know what to do right now, I could attempt to run, but the rope is too tight and the bastard who kidnapped me is right in front of me along with another man, this shorter than him but definitely more muscular. You could definitely tell he was one of those gym rats. “Now, I will ask this question one more time. What do you know about Mr. Kim? And what is his plan with our boss’s sister?”. I rolled my eyes and groaned. “And again, I don’t FUCKING know, dude I don’t even know who the hell this Mr. Kim is. And I have no fucking idea who your boss’s sister is”. The blonde sighs and steps forward to me and croches down to my level. He was one centimeters away from me. Mans was so close I could feel his breath. “Fuck dude, a mint would do you some justic”.

I really should’ve listened to my friends, especially Jay. God I can already imagine it, him looking at me with a disappointed look that I thought only my mom was capable of. I can practically hear him sighing and saying “I told you not to go out tonight Ariella”. I love Jay but I swear he’s more like my mom than my actual mom sometimes. A harsh slap went acrossy cheek, my skin cringing in pain. “Fuck dude!” I screamed loudly, as the taller one grip his first in my hair pulling it back. “If only you'd play nice then we'd be easier on you” he said. The shorter one put his hand on the others shoulder. “Chill dude, we don't need her passing out.

Seriously though, who the fuck where these guys. And where's Jay when you fucking need him.

[atlasscrumpit]

Avengers x Male Reader

(he/Him reader) 

You sat in a cell at the Avengers tower, your knees to your chest as you hummed to yourself.

You were going to die of boredom soon. Suddenly you heard a commotion and recognised a voice.

"Fuck..." You whispered as Natasha stormed in.

"I've been looking for you for years, you piece of shit." She growled as you looked at her in shock.

"N-Nat, you're all grown up." You muttered standing up and smiling awkwardly.

"Don't fucking talk to me like you know me." She growled you noticed tears in her eyes.

Steve rushed out to make sure Natasha wasn't killing you.

"How the hell do you two know each other?" He asked as you groaned softly.

"I was one of her trainers in the red room... Kind of." You muttered as Nat glared at you.

"You were a fucking monster, as much as you say there's two sides of you, I know it's just an excuse to trying to get away from everything you did." She growled as you groaned and rubbed your head.

"D-Don't fucking mention him, you know more than anyone what happens." You grumbled as she chuckled dryly.

"Cut the bullshit, Y/N. We all know what you're capable of." She whispered before walking away, you sighed and sat back down against the wall of the cell.

"It's a bit similar to Bucky..." Steve muttered as you nodded a little.

"Yeah... I met Bucky a few times. I think we had sex at one point." You said nonchalantly as Steve looked at you in shock.

"Are you just trying to get under my skin?" He asked cautiously as you rolled your eyes.

"No, I would get nothing from that. I'm actually trying to redeem myself, Steve. I know I did some awful things... But, I want to try and make up for them." You muttered, Steve nodded a little.

He was a good judge of character and he good see you were being genuine.

"What were you and Nat talking about? You have an alter kind of like Bucky?" He asked as you nodded again.

"Yeah, but he's been with me since I was a kid. Hydra didn't cause it." You replied, Steve still listening.

"Do you have control over him?" He asked as you closed your eyes and shook your head.

"No... I don't. He's ruined a lot for me, that's why you need to keep me in this cell until we figure something out. He's dangerous." You said as Steve nodded.

"I'll keep that in mind, I'll be back later." He said before leaving as you groaned and rested your head against the glass and closed your eyes.

--

You still sat in the cell, feeling that familiar feeling of the other side of you taking over.

"Please, don't do this. We're finally safe and you'll fuck it up! Just for once fucking behave!" You shouted as you suddenly saw someone in front of your cell.

"Its been a while, hasn't it?" Bucky said as you smiled, you were kind of relieved to see someone familiar...and maybe someone else that was a monster just like you.

"You cut your hair, shame I liked it long. Something to grip onto." You said as he chuckled and shook his head.

"I missed that attitude of yours, I won't lie. How are you holding up?" He asked as you sighed and leant your head against the wall.

"Not great... The other guys is wanting to come out and you know more than anyone that never ends well." You muttered in shame.

Bucky opened the door and stepped inside before sitting beside you, you rested your head on his shoulder and sighed.

"I missed you, Buck..." You whispered as he smiled a little.

"I missed you too, Y/N. But... I have to tell you, I'm with Steve now." He muttered as you nodded a little.

"I assumed as much, he got pretty jealous when I said we'd had sex before." You replied as Bucky chuckled a little.

"We went through a lot, didn't we?" He muttered as you smiled, closing your eyes as you rested on his shoulder.

"We really did..."

(if you'd like a part 2 lemme know!)

[ashintheairlikesnow]

When the juice hits you I would LOVE more Jameson and Vincent at Nat’s house content! I love them so much :,)

CW: Chronic pain, discussion of stalking and attempted murder, mentions of dead people, everyone is in a bad mood hooray

-

"Go back to fucking bed." Jameson grunts the words more than speaks them, squinting down into a coffee mug while rubbing one hand over his throbbing left knee. Not that the right one doesn't hurt, too. But he picks one and sticks with it until the pain pills kick in and he can fucking stand up again. "It's five in the fucking morning."

"Yeah, and I've been up since four, so... Don't know what you want from me." Vincent Shield doesn't look like a movie star these days. Just like Kauri's shaggy older brother who needs a haircut and a three-week nap. His bruising is all gone, everywhere but the look in his blue eyes.

All the wounds are there, now.

Jameson watches him pour himself a cup of coffee. In just a hoodie and jeans, you'd never recognize him when compared with the heroes he plays on big screens. Or used to.

"I want you to fuck off," Jameson replies, but there's no real anger in his rasping voice. Vince just smiles at him. Jameson finds himself cataloging the differences between he and Kauri, the biggest being the way Kauri smiles like he could fix everything if he just burned bright enough. Vince smiles, when he isn't posing for photos, like everything will shatter if anyone sees it.

"Landlady seems to like me, so I guess you're out of luck." Vince adds sugar and milk, too much of both. Pauses. Stares down into his mug. "I used to add Irish cream and some whiskey into my coffee every day when I wasn't working. Sometimes when I was. Probably... Probably a lot of the time when I was."

"Huh." Jameson digs his thumb into a spot on his knee. It flares bright with pain, so stark he nearly bites his tongue against a scream. Then something feels like it gives way, and the pain drops from a roar to a more manageable hum. "You're a sad drunk, too."

Vince actually laughs at that. "I really am, aren't I?"

"Based on how much of a sad fuck you are sober, I can only figure it gets worse when you're not."

Vince sits down across from him at the table, watching him. He doesn't even look mad, or hurt. Just... tired. "You think I'm an ungrateful asshole, huh?"

Jameson, still rubbing at his leg, pauses and looks up. "What?"

"Because I'm rich. Millionaire movie star in his giant house sitting around drinking himself to death on two-hundred dollar whiskey. People tell me they love me everywhere I go, if I let them know who I am. People write me letters. I had a stalker, for a while." He runs fingers back through his hair, growing out a little. Looks more like Kauri's now. "I wonder if that was just Owen, too."

"Maybe. To the stalker thing, not the rest of that bullshit." Jameson's fingers ache, trying to stay bent and curled, and he has to fight to straighten them enough to count off as he speaks. "Millionaire movie star whose only friend is a woman he writes fucking checks to, giant house you sit around in alone, two hundred dollar whiskey you don't even share with anybody but your fucked up liver, nobody who says they love you even fucking knows you, those letters are creepy as hell, and having a stalker isn't a fucking good thing, dumbass."

Vince snorts, but a smile plays around his lips. "Owen said he loved me."

"I'm so fucking sick of that asshole. He's dead and still the center of half your conversations. He didn't know you, either."

"We'd been friends since we were kids-"

Jameson is in too much pain to deal with Vincent being a mopey little shit. He hurts in places that don't even have nerve endings. His bones fucking throb. The pills aren't kicking in yet, or maybe he needs to take more. Maybe they don't work anymore. Either way, he groans and leans back in his chair. "Will you just fucking stop? The taste of your voice is making me want to throw up lately you talk so much."

Vince pauses. "The... what of my what now-"

"I don't give a fuck about Owen goddamn Grant and you shouldn't either. You're too old keep that shit up."

Vince takes a long drink of coffee, then makes a face when it scalds his tongue. Jameson tries not to smile. "I-... I just, my whole adult life I've been trying to get away from him-"

"Yeah, and you did. You got. You got about as far away from someone as you can get. Dead men don't come back and they can't hurt you again."

It hurts. Everything hurts. His heart joins the party, twisting hard inside his chest. Grief feels worse than any of the other pains. Ghosts that find him in his sleep, whispering accusations or endearments, shoving him away or holding him close. But gone when he wakes up.

Always gone.

"Jameson-"

"Dead men don't come back," Jameson repeats, more firmly. "You slit his throat-"

Vince flinches.

"-and saved someone from him. Probably a lot of someones. Guys like that don't stop at the first dead body. Bunch of dead hot guys with black hair and blue eyes, after a while, probably. He had the look."

"The... look?"

"In his eyes. Somebody figuring out they liked the idea of being the last thing someone was afraid of. Would've been Kauri, and then you, and then that wouldn't fix it and he'd keep trying. Keep finding men like you. Keep killing them and then realizing he had to try again, because nobody would ever be enough. There aren't ever enough dead bodies for somebody like that. They run out of places to hide them."

Vince has slipped into silence, watching Jameson talk with a look of faint surprise. And concern, which pisses Jameson off.

"Don't look at me like that."

"I kept a knife in my bed," Vince says slowly. "Everywhere I went. Even hotels, even in my trailer on set. I always had a knife. Just in case. And I-... I still have one. Upstairs, between the mattress and box springs. Is that weird?"

Jameson shrugs. "No. Maybe for other people. But not for people like us."

"Us?"

"Yeah, numbnuts. Us. People who fucking killed someone just to not die." Jameson fixes him with a glare, then grabs at his crutches to pull himself to his feet. Once his arms are braced for support, he sighs. It takes the work away from his knees, and they seem to soothe a little.

Or maybe that's just the pills.

Finally.

"Listen, Shield. Save your unburdening of the soul shit for therapy, okay? I got my own problems. And I can't help you with yours. Mine wake me up at night."

Vince looks up at him, head tipped to one side. "Yeah. Mine do, too. I wake up wanting a drink so goddamn badly I can barely breathe. I used to drink until I fell back asleep. Now I just... lay there until I give up and get coffee."

"Yeah. I wake up wanting, too."

Jameson wakes up burning for Nanda to lay a hand on his back and whisper in his ear. He wakes up praying that next time the ghosts will find someone else to haunt. He can't be the only one. He wakes up trying not to cry from the pain. And he hears Vince pacing down the hall every single fucking time.

"It gets better, though, right? The... craving, and just... If I could just have the one thing... That gets better?"

"Fuck if I know." Jameson turns away, jaw set as he works to get to the living room. He can't do the stairs, not yet. His body needs to remember how to cooperate first. Weird how it's gotten worse the longer he hasn't been terrified of being caught again. Therapist says he feels safe, and so his body feels safe to show everything because he doesn't have to fight so hard to survive.

She's probably right.

Jameson pauses, then looks over his shoulder. "Look. Sorry. I feel like shit today."

"Yeah." Vince runs a finger around the edge of the mug sitting in front of him. "Me, too."

"Just. Okay. Listen. Some days, I don't think about him at all, yeah? And that didn't used to happen. So... I guess it gets better."

Until he feels so goddamn guilty for forgetting that it feels even worse. He turns away so Vince won't see the pain on his face.

"Also, I really don't care that you're a millionaire or whatever the fuck. Nanda was a millionaire, too, and it didn't save him. Him being rich didn't save me, either. Just made it worse when I didn't have him anymore."

"... Jameson-"

"Never mind. Just fuck off until I'm too high to be mad at you, okay?"

He collapses onto the couch, closing his eyes and drifting on a sea of pain. There's one more pill in his pocket. He digs it out and swallows it dry.

Please, please, please stop hurting. Inside or out. He doesn't care which. But he can't keep this up if it's both.

[moonmeg]

me and my little cousin are big fans of your comics and now she is studying what society was like in the 1600s and she got curious about how caleb and Philip reacted to women on the islands having the same rights as men (it's her favorite topic and she asked me to ask you because it is difficult for her to speak English)

greetings❤️💛

Thank you very much!!

I am no historian. I'm a history-enthusiast but the 1500s are really not my favorite century and I barely informed myself on them (not as well as on 18th or 20th century at least) but I'll just say what I think here.

Firstly we'd have to figure out what Caleb's and Philip's perception of women is in order to form a theory on how they might've viewed equal rights for both.

As they were raised in Puritan beliefs and society it can be assumed the boys had an idea of women being less valuable than men and their purposes included being a wife, have a bunch of children to take care of and be responsible for the household. In Puritan society women also partook in working the fields and could function as breadwinners of the family, though latter was not exactly average, but overall the image of the ideal woman to Puritans was: obedient (to men), humble, modest.

It's something that has been preached to the brothers since childhood and it's highly unlikely their mother was a modern disney "i-don't-take-shit-from-no-man" girlboss for them to have ever seen something different than that lmao.

When you've been taught something since childhood and never in your age of development changed that environment it's difficult to break those beliefs.

Sadly canon doesn't let us know how old Caleb was when he first met Evelyn but judging by the ponytail and the way Philip still looks like he could be 10 years old at best in the Hollow Mind portrait, I'm guessing he's something between 13 and 15. That's a crucial age in your development - you're starting out puberty or are already in the middle of it - and we all should know how easily influenced an adolescent mind can be. If Caleb was introduced to the image of a girl that doesn't align with what he's been taught in that age, it's likely that the moment he started living in the BI wasn't as big a surprise or shock to him as you'd think. He'd probably still be taken aback a little but I can see him adapt to it quite quickly. Not to say his ideas of what a woman is and how men are superior etc. just vanished the moment he met Evelyn (it likely took months if not years for Eve to even crack his perception of women and their roles) but if he and Evelyn met again and again over the course of years before running away to the BI together, it's likely by the time he came to the Isles' he was already very weakened in those ideas.

I remember I had a comic written out that tackled this concept of newlywed Caleb and Evelyn/Cat having different images of what a marriage is and Eve/Cat putting him in his place, telling him that just because she's his wife now it doesn't mean she's his possession, his maid or is going to be submissive to him. It's an idea I threw away because... time and it didn't exactly contribute to the story so... eh.

Philip was unlikely to have abandoned those ideas (completely) but it's kinda difficult to say in his case hdbdjdnnd

[that-basic-simp]

Dangerous Woman

"What is it now?" Odessa asked as we were brought into the headquarters at Overwatch.

"We need you and Y/N to take on a mission," Winston said as a shit load of files appeared in front of us.

"We need you to go undercover and since you're new to Overwatch, Odessa, we figured you'd be the perfect candidate."

She let out a sigh as she was sifting through the mountain piles of information in front of us.

"W-What are we even doin'?"

"Talon activity has picked up since the leader of Null Sector, Ramattra, started his attack on major cities. Such as King's Row. We believe that Talon is going to try to meet up with Ramattra so that they can work together," Tracer said as she zipped around the room.

"And what exactly are we going to do?" I asked.

"The next point of attack is Paris. More specifically, a ball that is going to be taking place. So we need you two to infiltrate the ball, find Talon and get information. Odessa, listen to me carefully," Tracer said. "Do not engage the enemy unless provoked or given good reason to."

"So if they start shootin' at Y/N, I can shoot back, yeah?"

"You won't be allowed to take any sort of weapons into the ball."

"Fuck," Odessa whispered. "But what if they do start shootin' at Y/N?"

"Run like hell," she said.

"That's no fun," she sighed.

"Your safety is more important than fighting Talon right now. We will eventually get them when the time is right," Tracer said. "And we'd be more than happy to get you both to help out."

"We'll see how this mission goes," I said.

"Good. We have your outfits ready for you in your sleeping quarters," Winston said. "And thank goodness we called you when you have your natural hair, Odessa."

Odessa sighed and ran her hand through her black mohawk, "Don't remind me. I forgot that I needed to get hair dye."

"It'll make ya look less like a target," I chuckled as I walked past her.

"Aye, you're one to talk," she said and lightly smacked the back of her hand across my ass.

"Odessa!" I laughed, running away from her as she stood up, trying to get me again.

"C'mere, princess," she let out a playful growl, chasing me all the way back to our sleeping quarters.

"Are you sure they're the right people for this mission?" Winston asked.

"I have faith in them!" Tracer smiled.

We walked into our sleeping quarters to find what we needed to wear. As soon as I saw what Odessa was going to wear, I couldn't help but laugh inside, but my jaw dropped.

"Ain't no way in hell I am wearin' that!" she shouted as she walked over to the dress that was hanging up.

"Hold on, Dez. I want to see ya in it."

"I was expectin' a suit or somethin'."

"I know ya were, but let's see how it looks on ya. Besides, we're supposed to not stand out. I think you in a suit might make ya stand out."

"You want to know what's going to make me stand out? Me in a dress."

"If anythin', ya might catch some guy's attention."

"If anyone tries anythin' funny, I am poundin' their head into the ground. Especially if they get handsy with ya," she looked at the dress I was going to be wearing.

"At least it's nothin' too fancy. You're not that kind of person," I said and kissed her cheek.

She let out a sigh, running her hand through her mohawk, "I take it I've gotta take the mohawk out."

"Most likely."

"Fuck," she whispered as she walked into the bathroom to change.

While the room was empty, I got changed into the dress I was going to be wearing and I waited to get into the bathroom so I could do some makeup. At least some lipstick and mascara. The door opened up and Odessa walked out with the dress on and her hair was out of her mohawk, flat ironed to where it was straight and not wavy.

"W-Wow," I whispered, admiring her.

"D-Do I look alright?" she asked.

"You look amazing," I said, leaning towards her. I stood on my tiptoes and placed a peck to her lips.

A small smile appeared as she placed a kiss to my forehead, "Thank you, princess."

"I shouldn't say, amazing. Ya look stunning, wonderful, beautiful, attractive."

"Oh hush, Y/N. If ya want to do things later tonight why don't ya just ask?"

"Can we?"

"Of course," she said. "If we don't get blown to bits."

"I hope not," I said and walked into the bathroom, doing a bit of makeup before walking out.

"Odessa, what are you doing?" I asked.

"N-Nothing," she said, turning her back away from me.

I walked towards her, grabbing her shoulder, and spun her around. I noticed the hilt of one of my swords was in the back of her dress. With how it parted, it was a large V that exposed her muscular back, but with how the sword was placed, it looked as if it was part of the dress itself.

"T-That actually doesn't look too bad."

"And," she parted the siding of the dress to reveal Gracie was attached to her thigh.

"Really? Gracie is fine, but the sword is overkill."

"Just a safety precaution, princess," she said as we walked out of the room and to the hangar.

Tracer was there and was going to be our escort. Once we got into the airplane, she flew out to the airport in Paris before the three of us got out and she drove us to where the ball was going to be. Pulling up to the venue, we both got out and Odessa waited for me so I could walk in beside her. I wrapped my arm around hers and we walked in together.

"Remember you're here to get information," Winston said through our ear pieces, that were covered up by our hair.

While flying here, Tracer put mics on us that were disguised as well as small cameras too. They were ready for anything to happen.

"Got it, Winston," I pressed the earpiece.

"Maybe we should do somethin' like this back at home, princess," Odessa said as we walked in, seeing a large crystal chandelier. It glimmered and shined as the lights bounced off of it.

"Think Hammond can make somethin' like that?"

"He'd make it even better," Odessa chuckled as we walked around, trying to blend in.

As we were walking around, trying to socialize with people, I kept an eye on Odessa as she was cornered by a few guys. Letting out a sigh, I went to go make my way over to her, but something caught my attention. It was a woman who had light blue skin and a tall African man who was wearing the only white suit here.

"That's them, Y/N," Tracer said.

"Who are they?"

"Akande Ogundimu and Amelie Lacroix. They're Talon members. Otherwise known as Doomfist and Widowmaker."

"Follow them, Y/N," Winston said.

I looked over at Odessa, who was dealing with her own issues. I let out a sigh and followed after the two. I hid behind a pillar as they stopped and started talking to an omnic who was wearing robes. There were cables attached to his head to make the appearance of dreadlocks.

"Ramattra," Doomfist began. "Good to see you again."

"Likewise," said the omnic.

"Can we please get this over with?" Widowmaker asked. "I don't like being here."

"Of course. Now, what is your plan?" Doomfist said.

"We are going to set up camps here and overrun small parts of Paris. Simple as that. If Talon were to aid, that'd be such a pleasure. I could use the help of humans like you, even if I despise them."

"What does Talon get in return?"

I was closing in on their conversation, but a small gust of wind whisked past me.

"Dez," I pressed onto the earpiece.

"What's up, princess?"

"We're not alone."

"What?"

"We're not--" I was cut off by someone coming out of nowhere and placing a hand on my mouth.

"Scream and you'll regret it," someone said.

Looking behind me, I knew who it was. Sombra. I growled lowly, but I didn't move. I heard footsteps coming towards me and that was when Odessa appeared from behind the pillar.

"Oh fuck," she whispered.

"Gotcha," Sombra chuckled and sent out an EMP that cut off our communication to Tracer and Winston.

"Catcha later," she disappeared.

"Oi, where the fuck did ya go?!" Oddessa yelled, about to bring out her knife.

I looked behind the pillar to see they were gone.

"Damn it. Dez, we gotta go."

"Freeze!"

There were guards surrounding us. Odessa and I raised our hands in the air. One came over and kicked me behind the knee, causing me to fall onto the ground.

"Y/N!"

"Dez," I breathed out. "It's going to be fine."

"Silence!" the guard yelled and bashed the end of his assault rile inbetween my shoulder blades.

"Y/N," Odessa breathed out.

"Dez, no."

It was as if everything happened next was in slow motion. She reached behind her back and unsheathed my sword. Swinging it upwards, she sliced one of the assault rifles that was pointed at her in half.

"FIRE!"

Dodging the bullets, she ran around the pillars and came up from behind one of the guards. She knocked him in the back of his head with the hilt of my sword and stabbed another that was running towards her. Pushing the side of her dress away, she pulled out Gracie and stuck it into the neck of another guard before slicing the head off of another. There were two guards left who just booked it. Putting Gracie back in the sheath on her thigh, she lifted me up over her shoulder and walked out of the building.

The car Tracer drove zipped into the front, avoiding the mass panic now, and the doors opened up. Odessa put me down before we got into the car. She closed the door and we drove off. I let out a sigh as there was a dull pain in the middle of my back.

"You really are something," Tracer said.

"They were hurting Y/N," Odessa croaked out, looking at the blood on the blade.

"I'm ok, Dez."

She looked down at me, worry still in her eyes, "I wasn't going to lose you tonight. I've seen what those kinds of guns can do. They can unload rounds upon rounds without stopping or stalling. I wasn't going to risk losin' you."

A small smile appeared as I leaned into her, my head resting on her shoulder.

"You really are a dangerous woman."

She chuckled, "You bet 'cha I am."

[quackity1999]

[The next letter comes quick. Now covered in few stickers and a few drawings within it's envelope, messy art of what is supposed to be Shroud and Micheal standing with a smiley face with a taller yellow figure that has big wings. Spelled in big capitals, 'BEST FRIENDS'.]

Oo. I hate it when Shroud used to tug on my tail because he wanted a look at my revealed skull again. It being a very sensitive area. And Henrietta is an old duck. One that likes making sure I don't stay up all night or don't go far without my parents supervision. Which is pretty mean of her to do. So sometimes I stuff her in Bee and Boo's room so me and Shroud can go exploring on our own!

Wait did you just mention you'd come meet us? Oh prime!!! Please do! I'll make sure to give you a proper tour of my room when you come by and Shroud says he promises not to tug at your wings!

Though we wanna know what you mean by bad people had hurt our parents? There the toughest people we know! Nothing could hurt them! They said so themselves! And you NEVER question bee, Boo, and uncle mommy unless you want some trouble. Trust me.

Shroud said thank you for sending flowers to us! Said he was gonna keep it somewhere safe so that whenever we do go out on our own, we'd be able to find these pretty flowers again and see them fresh! But could you tell us what there called? As me and Shroud only know about alliums, roses, and dandelions. Not many more which Shroud is kinda sad about. We hardly see any in the snow out here, nothing but trees and snowflakes around.

- Micheal_Beloved and Shroud Innit

( @michealsproutsnotes )

dear shroud & michael,

you lock henrietta up? sheesh, you two are getting desperate.

as for the flowers; i'm in a forest location at the moment. been, uh, travelling. so they're all some sort of wildflowers— geraniums, bluebells, a few poppies. and cornflowers, i think. i'm kinda shit at identifying nature stuff, if you'll pardon my language.

what's it like living in a wintery area? i've been by snowchester once or twice, but your parents (minus tommy) have been understandably hostile.

yours,

quackity from las nevadas.

[gloopytits-chaosmod]

i feel bad for the smarter younger people, never before has the stupid and the fascist been this encouraged to openly wield a lack of thought as the true way to live your life free of corruption as the very notion of critical theory becomes associated with queer pedo conspiracies and secessionist theory.

If anything we'd be foolish to expect anyone to radicalize under conditions where that is explicitly dangerous. I mean we are back in the klan-era of middle-class grasping at straws to explain perceived "social decay" that doesn't challenge white supremacy.

I hope the smart young people can realize the game that's being played in terms of neurolegitimacy. How every corner of the political spectrum attempts to control thought by associating so and so with a fundamentally broken brain whose only hope for conformity is to give up the notion of having legitimate political notions and ideas.

If leftists and fascists are left to determine whose brains are bad and good, if the microblog standard comes to pass as a baseline form of communication where legitimacy will be given in relation to how well you confirm to a "good brain", then white supremacy enters a new chapter of social dominance with no forum for opposition beyond Complete Destitution. Which would likely find itself colonized by the reactionary regimes, good-meaning liberals who want to "figure out how to deprogram us from our cargo cult".

There is no room for legitimate reasons to live that aren't tied to the processes of economics if you want to hold the title of "person with brain that can be trusted".

The problem is, I don't think there's enough smart people around to push back against this wave from within the system.

I think the "ick" against whichever minority the platforms are raging against that day has, under white supremacy and capitalism, calcified into something genuinely terrifying. Where queer debate is no longer about destitution or survival, but the identification and removal of "bad actors" on the basis that white queer society has a model they want people to fit within. You know, NY borough, iowa suburb, CA defense contractors and canadians, just genuinely horrible white people who have never given a shit abt child safety in their life but has an irrationally strong and violent reaction to the idea, just the IDEA, of someone being associated with a label that means "no good rapist".

This ick is fascism. Whichever way you cut it, acting on a response with disgust using politics first to determine an action by which to cull the member from the community reveals the fundamental truth of community: that it's defined by early adopters, will be used to exclude people as an enforceable moral model and survives on the basis that people must be external and excluded. More on this in this brilliant article: https://thenewinquiry.com/hot-allostatic-load/

People desire fascism to tell them who to bash. This violent impulse is probably going to get us all killed. Maybe wanting people dead for a perceived sin of violating a non-existent person should ring some alarm bell for people whose hobby is to herd leftists like cats.

Of course, if you'd simply take this fascism and call it leftism you could probably get a lot of clout and money,

as all the submissive leftists would resonate with your fascism as the new top dog

(really it is pathetic how much leftists, white ones in particular, love fascism just now when you call it that)

Bsky?? What are you doing here

[omentranslates]

Owari no Seraph chapter 135 english fan translation

AND I'M FINALLY CAUGHT UP official at here thanks as always bye

Having devoured his brother in arms, Ferid is preparing for the final decisive battle...

*horrible chewing sfx*

Owari no Seraph chapter 135: Beginning Battle of the End

Vampire Wives: ....Crowley-sama

Vampires Wives: Crowley-sama

Crowley: Ng...

Horn Skuld: We're finally able to see each other again

Horn Skuld: It's been quite a while, Crowley-sama. Although, ideally our reunion would have been under different circumstances

Chess: But seriously, Crowley-sama, how could you!? Did you even look for us once after we went missing, did you even spend a second of your time on searching for us!??

Crowley: Ah well, I figured you'd just gotten tired of me and run away

Chess: Like we'd ever!!!

Horn Skuld: No...I believe Crowley-sama knew what had become of us.

Crowley: Well, you two are my first disciples* afterall. In a way. But to think we'd all have been eaten by Ferid-kun. So what exactly is this place, what goes on here?

Horn Skuld: We're being slowly consumed during our demon transformation.

Crowley: So I guess that makes this Ferid's insides?

Chess: Just take a look over there!

Crowley: Well I'll be damned, so I guess I'll become a demon then. Something like the weapons the humans made, I wonder? Ferid-kun really is a man of many talents.

Crowley: Oh, shit-

Chess: This is how the digestion works-!

Chess: *screaming*

Horn Skuld: It seems that you'll lose consciousness as more of you gets digested.

Chess: iserysfdjsdfkljsd stopppppp

Crowley: Huh

Horn Skuld: It also, I should mention, doesn't seem that our voices are able to reach Ferid-sama from here. Since we were absorbed here, we've seen many vampires try to curse, question and scream at him, but...

Crowley: No answer?

Horn Skuld: None. At least, not to us.

Crowley: Hmmm, that so, Ferid-kun?

Crowley: Well, that's all well and good then. I guess we'll just watch from within, then. Maybe from in here, we just might catch a sight of that heart and those plans you've never opened up to us.

Ferid: You'd better watch closely, Crowley-kun. I want you to see the finale I've been working towards for so long.

Chess: WH-

Horn Skuld: How-

Horn Skuld: Crowley-sama!!?

Ferid: Let's get busy

Ferid: Now that I've eaten Crowley, who's lived within our plan for so long already, that probably just puts me past a third progenitor, but I wonder.

Ferid: Only one way to find out.

Yuu: Devour my desire! Mikaela, GO WILD!!

Saitou: These guys never want to just listen when someone's talking! Capture him unharmed!!

Ky: Are you sure about that??

Lest: Walk in the park, he's outnumbered.

Shikama: O Darkness, protect Y-.....

Shikama: Shit....Shinoa's attack is even affecting my physical body....she's a beast.

Shikama: O, Darkness. Turn the vampires to dust.

Yuu: *screaming*

Saitou: DUCK!!!!

Ky: Wh-

Lest: Huh?

Random Vampire Whose Name I Learned and then Forgot Again: Ah-

Ky: HOLY FUCK

Lest: What the hell are we in it with the First too!??

Ky: O, SWORD!!

Urd: Rigr!!

Saitou: Urd, watch my six.

Urd: O sword, drink as much blood as it takes.

Urd: Shit. Rigr, we're going to be in trouble fast if we don't cut them off at the source!!

Saitou: I expect nothing less of our Father, still having this much power.

Saitou: PROTECT!!

Yuu: HERE IT IS, MIKA!!

Saitou: DON'T LET HIM THROUGH, URD.

Urd: No way this is gonna end with 'unharmed.' Actually, if restraining him isn't an option I really don't care if he dies.

Shikama: Yuu...Yuu...**

Yuu: Ahh...he's got that same tired expression that was so characteristic of him in my memories...

Yuu: I still don't know if there's a way, but I've come to save you, Father.

Shikama: Hurry, I doubt I have much time left for what I need to pass on to you.....

Shinoa: Ha...hahaha!!!

Shinoa: All of it, all of it all of it all of it!!! I'm going to swallow you!!

Krul: .....what now? Your vibes are totally off, who are you?

Ferid: I'm a fan of yours, my queen.

The Third Progenitor Showdown begins....!!!

*this word can mean either family or like serfs, so I settled on something in between the two, so it feels like he has responsibility to them without assuming maybe more closeness than the text is willing to state

**Shikama here is calling Yuu like he called the eyeball in the ancient flashbacks. Earlier in this chapter or the last he was using the kanji for Yuu's name, like our Yuu, but here he's calling ユウ like the homonculous.